Item 11: Establishment of an Immigrant & Refugee Emergency Fund — original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250707-011: Establishment of an Immigrant & Refugee Emergency Fund WHEREAS, the United States is currently experiencing an aggressive second-term federal enforcement agenda, and the State of Texas is escalating anti-immigrant policies—including local law enforcement cooperation with ICE and bans on sanctuary protections—that have created fear, trauma, and disruption among immigrant, refugee, and foreign-born community members; and WHEREAS, these enforcement actions have led to an alarming increase in family separation, economic disruption, housing instability, and mental health crisis among Austin’s immigrant communities, including children whose caregivers have been detained or deported; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has declared itself a “Freedom City,” prioritizing protections for immigrant residents, advancing racial equity through its Equity Office, and striving to maintain a high quality of life for all residents ; and WHEREAS, over 18 percent of Austin’s residents are foreign-born, and immigrant-founded businesses account for nearly one-quarter of new enterprises in the city, contributing significantly to Austin’s economy and civic vitality ; and WHEREAS, Austin City Council and the City Manager have affirmed commitments to equity, inclusivity, and protecting marginalized communities through policies, investments, and Quality of Life research, especially within immigrant and refugee populations; and WHEREAS, the current environment necessitates emergency support mechanisms to address urgent needs—financial, emotional, and mental—resulting from immigration enforcement actions, especially among children and families experiencing ICE raids and caregiver detentions; and WHEREAS, no other entity in Texas is positioned to rapidly deploy funding or mental health services to support these affected community members at scale, making City-led action both necessary and uniquely effective; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. The Commission on Immigrant Affairs urges the Austin City Council to direct the City Manager to collaborate with relevant departments to establish an Immigrant & Refugee Emergency Assistance Fund, with the following features: • Immediate cash grants for families who lose their primary breadwinner due to ICE detention or deportation, to address rent, utilities, food, and other essential expenses; • Mental health counseling and trauma support for children and youth impacted by forced family separation; • Flexible funding pathways (such as a dedicated city-managed grant program or partnership with CBOs) to ensure swift, accessible delivery to impacted community members. 2. The Commission recommends that this fund be structured to: • Be activated within 30 days of Council approval; • Prioritize eligibility for families with children under 18 who have lost a caregiver due to immigration enforcement; • Include culturally responsive, linguistically accessible outreach and applications; • Be administered transparently, with regular public reporting on fund allocation and outcomes; 3. This initiative upholds Austin’s “P-R-I-D-E” values—Public service, Responsibility, Innovation, Diversity, and Ethics—reinforcing the City’s obligation to protect human rights, support vulnerable populations, and foster community resilience. Adoption of this resolution will demonstrate that Austin not only values its immigrant residents but takes proactive, meaningful action to safeguard their well-being during the most challenging of times. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)